SGM Kaiser Thomas, Ret.

Passed 01/28/2016

Obituary For SGM Kaiser Thomas, Ret.

SGM Kaiser Thomas, Ret. We celebrate the life of Kaiser Thomas, Jr. with joy and happiness. Many hearts are saddened, but we have memories that we will cherish forever. Sergeant Major (retired) Kaiser Thomas, Jr. was born June 1, 1937 in Barnwell, South Carolina the late Kaiser Thomas, Sr. and Queen Ester Bower-Thomas. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from New Stanton High School in 1954. He proudly enlisted and served in the U.S. Army, Special Forces. Kaiser was united in marriage to Madelyn Thomas in 1959. To this union, four children were born. Angels spoke softly to Kaiser on Thursday morning, January 28, 2016. He leaves to mourn his passing: a loving wife, Madelyn F. Thomas of Spartanburg, SC; one son, Kaiser Thomas, III (Yvonne); three daughters, Karen Callahan (Dennis) of Fayetteville, NC, Linda Richardson (Carl) of Lake Wylie, SC and Marva Thomas of Moore, SC; his cherished grandchildren, Chloe' Thomas, Adam and Hope Callahan, Lindsay, Lauren and Logan Richardson; his step-grandchildren, Curtis Baker, Sheena and Ashlei Hart; his adoring sisters, Mary Harvey Bird of Fernandina Beach, FL and Ann Clark (Bill) of Jacksonville, FL; and a dear childhood friend, in the late Rayfield S. Brown (Mary). Left behind are a host of family, friends, former students, and military comrades. He was loved, admired, and remains a father figure to many students, first as the Senior NCOIC of Army ROTC and later as the Assistant Dean of Students at his beloved Wofford College. He will especially be remembered for his quick wit, spirit of adventure, patriotism, and love of family. A Celebration of the Life of Kaiser Thomas, Jr. will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 12:00 noon at Greater Hopewell Baptist Church, 215 Hickory Dr., Startex, SC. Interment will be private in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:15 a.m. prior to service. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in his honor to the Spartanburg American Cancer Society or Wofford College Athletics.



Guest Book

I just found out of his Passing. I am very sorry for y'all's loss. I will NEVER forget him, nor what an impact he made on me at Wofford College. When I talk about my memories at Wofford, he is in many of them. God Rest.

- na

Will miss you sarge. Will have the memories. Rip

- Tyrone

Will miss you sarge. Will have the memories. Rip

- Tyrone

Karen, Linda and the Thomas family. So sorry to learn of the passing of Dean Thomas. I have nothing but deep respect and great memories of him from my Wofford College days. He was a tremendous man! May you continue to find joy in your memories. Vanessa Watson Ray Class of '83

- Vanessa Watson Ray

SGM. Thomas. was a well liked and respected NCOIC in the Wolford College ROTC program. At night he would let the SCARNG rifle team shoot on the Wolford rifle range. We won the State championship because of his support and encouragement.

- Kenneth B Smith